ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10596, 17 February 1896, Page 4

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL.

SILVER JUBILHB OF THE DOMINICAN NUNS.

The missionary retreats to the Catholic men and women of Dunedin were brought to a close at . Sfc. Joseph's yesterday. A very large number of communicants were present at the early masses. There was high mass in St, Joseph's Cathedral at 11 a.m. The Very Rev. Father Mackay (Oamarn) was celebrant, Father Lynch deacon, and Father Murphy sabdeacon. There was. a large congregation. The Very Rev. Missionary-father Maber, CM. (provincial of the Vmcentian Fathers it Australia), occupied lha pulpit. The preacheri at the end of his sermon on the "scandal of the cross," made allusion to the silver diocesan jubilee which is to be celebrated on Tuesday, and, referring to the Dominican nuns and their work, said that of ail the works of the late beloved bishop there waa hardly one to be compared with this in utility. It had been productive of incalculable benefit to the diocese in the past, and was likely to be productive of greater benefits jn the future. It* first beginnings were very small. It was like the muutard seed of the Gospel, the smallest of all seeds, but which grew into a mighty tree. It was only 25 yean since the first seeds of the Dominican eommnnifcy were planted here, but what a goodly tree had sprung up. Its branches had spread, encircling the diocese on every side. They had reached O*maru in the north, Invereargill in the south, and Qaeenstown in the west, and everywhere they bore fruits of blessing for the people and ths diocsse. The children of the peeple grew up uader their shadow and felt their influence. It was one of the strong reasons for Catholic religious education that children were moulded and stamped by such an example and such an influence. It was not enough to have intellectual culture. They wanted moral culture, the training of the heart, the love of the cross of Jesus Christ. This was the training and culture the nuns imparted, not only by words, bat by the powerful example of their daily life. Ha prayed that God would prosper them, and he hoped they would succeed in the future even more than in the past. But their joy was mingled with sorrow. The gieat bishop who brought these holy nuns to Donedin was dead, and they still mourned his irreparable loss. He (the preacher) was not going to speak hin praises, for they had been spoken already. The late bishop required no words of praise, for big works were in the gates and spoke trumpet-tongned his worth and greatness. He had raised his own monument* that would keep his memory green and fresh as the grass that sprang lightly from hi» grave. If they looked around they would see these monuments—the magnificent temple in which thsy worshipped, the content beside it, the churches and convents scattered over the diocese—these were monuments more enduring than brass, in which his name and memory would be enshrined for all time. They mourned his loss and deeply regretted he had not lived to join in the celebration of this event to which he looked forward with feelings of gratitude and joy. It was the holy will of God that it should be so, and they bowed their heads in submission. "However," continued the preacher, "it is not all sorrow. Already news has come that will b9 a joy to the diocese—the successor to the illustribus dead haß been named. I will say only one word of him, but I think it is the bset word I can sayhe is worthy to fill the high dignity for which he has been chosen. Ec comes of a good stock; he is nephew to the greatest churchman of our time, the late Cardinal Cullen, and cousin to tile great Arehbiehop of Sydney. In personal qualities and virtues he does not yield to the greatest of his regions, and it is a special Providence that brings him here to take up the mantle of the saintiy man who reigned so long and so wisely over Danetlm. We hope for him a long and prosperous reign likewise, and we can promise him from the start the hearty ca-opsration of the devoted priests of tha diocese, and the loyal devotion of the people. With this co-operation and support his burden will be comparatively light. Our earnest prayer will be that the diocese will grow under his pastoral care, and that the grand traditions will be handed down to new generations of people as truly, devoted and virtuons as those who are here to-day." In the evening the cathedral was simply packed. Though additional seating accommodation was provided, many had to stand, and some were obliged to go away. Tho scene was impressive when, with lighted candle in hand, tile large congregation arose to renew the promises made by sponsors on their behalf in baptism. Father Maher complimented the people of Dunedin on their spirit of religion. He had not witnessed greater evidences of faith and piety elsewhere is Australasia. The people had attended for a fortnight, not only in tha evening, but in theeoriy morning. Early risers must have wondered at the large number of men who wended tlwir way to the cathedral for the 6 o'clock mass. The mission had been eminently successful. In conclusion, he imparted the Papal blessing, which by special privilege he was empowered to give. As announced at the masses, the Te Deam ws« sung during the benediction service, in thanksgiving for the blessings which, tlrroagb. the late bishop and the devoted band of Dominican nuns, had been conferred on the diocese, and also to mark the gratitude of all that a worthy ecclesiastic and a man after Dr Blor?.n's own heart had been chosen to occupy tbe vacant throne. In addition to the priests previously mentioned, the Rev. Father O'Neill (Milton) was present at the evening service. The choir of the cathedral if ere assisted by Misses Rose and Kitty Blaoey, who sang " O Jesu " (duet), and Mr C. Coombs, who played as a corset solo " The Lost Chord."